Star Wars: Episode 8 has only just begun filming and already a massive spoiler has leaked online

The Force Awakens has yet to arrive in cinemas

Star Wars: The Force Awakens, the seventh instalment in the sci-fi franchise, has yet to hit cinemas but the sequel, episode VIII, has already began filming and one prominent cast member has reportedly been seen on set.

***Potential spoilers ahead***

If you’re still with us, the prominent cast member is Mark Hamill, who plays Luke Skywalker in the franchise, meaning the Jedi Knight is almost certainly going to make it through to the next film (it has long been rumoured he would die in The Force Awakens).

According to The Irish Examiner, a cast and crew of over 100 people were spotted off the coast of Ireland attempting to film on Skellig Michael. Bad weather conditions prevented any work actually being done.

The Force AwakensHamill reported to have slipped

To back up the rumours of his return, photos of Hamill’s son, Nathan, checking into a nearby hotel have surfaced online.

So what does this mean for The Force Awakens? With the return of the Jedi Knight, this surely means he will survive the events of the upcoming film?

Of course, in previous movies, Jedi’s have appeared as blue, ghostly versions of themselves which could obviously happen here. Either way, fans won’t know the truth until they see The Force Awakens, which opens in cinemas 17 December.